How to embrace lifelong learning

Albert Einstein famously said, “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.” And rightly so, some of the most well-established leaders are those who wake up each day to learn and try something new. 

Learning is a lifelong process and it’s something you need to work towards from within yourself. You have to be the one pushing yourself to explore new topics, improve processes and uncover the next big thing. More importantly, you have to look outside of your comfort zone to find fulfilment through lifelong learning.

Continue to ask questions

Learning begins at a very young age. Every parent knows all too well what it’s like to have a child that asks ‘why’ over everything. But while you don’t have to be at that level of curiosity, lifelong learners continue to ask questions.

How can you make rostering more efficient? What kind of improvements need to be made to buildings to create a modern space? Where can I find relevant information on this new model of care? If something piques your interest, ask questions and find the answer. 

Embrace challenges

It’s easy to lose motivation at times, particularly when working within an industry that can be draining, challenging and overwhelming at times. But just as there are hard days, opportunities can always be found right around the corner.

This is why embracing challenges is important. It will keep you motivated and interested in what you’re doing. Whether it’s learning a new skill, solving a problem or trying something new that’s completely unrelated to work, it can all have an impact. Just be sure not to overload yourself and take it one step at a time to maximise your learning potential.  

“Learning new skills is one way we can rewrite the story of our lives. Whether it is to pursue a different career, for our own intellectual curiosity, or to strengthen our ability to focus, monotasking learning can be very rewarding.”

– Thatcher Wine, author.

Practise mindfulness

Mindfulness is the ability to fully pay attention to yourself and your surroundings. So not only are you in tune with your own thoughts and feelings but you are fully aware of life around you; the sights, smells and sounds. Although this might not seem as necessary for lifelong learning, some say it’s an essential soft skill to help remain focused and present.

In reality, it can help do that and more. Mindfulness is linked to meditation and the act of slowing down and really soaking in the moment is perfect for clearing your mind and opening yourself up to learning something new. 

Use feedback as guidance

Even the most experienced leaders need to be receptive to feedback. If you’re open to feedback it sets the tone in creating a positive feedback culture where all staff can be comfortable speaking up and sharing ideas. Not only that, but it means there are learning opportunities when mistakes occur. People can support one another with constructive feedback and tips on where to improve.

“Listening was the most important thing I accomplished each day because it would build the foundation of leadership for years to come.”

– Satya Nadella, Microsoft Chief Executive Officer.

Creating an open-door policy for feedback is also a great way to build stronger bonds with your employees. If they are afforded the opportunity to speak with you directly and give feedback, that’s a new avenue of learning from voices you may not normally hear. 

Teach others

Lifelong learning is possible no matter your age, job or experience. Therefore, your employees are likely to be just as interested in finding more learning opportunities. In fact, two-thirds of employees are seeking additional learning and coaching/mentoring and this is where you can find personal growth in a two-way street.

By teaching others you can learn new things about yourself. This is where others will ask important questions you may have never considered, your skills and knowledge will be challenged, and where new interactions can result in unexpected outcomes. 

Enjoy the journey

Lifelong learning is all about the journey. Whether it’s participating in a training course, taking on a hobby or working on a project with a colleague, new experiences are highly enriching. And that arguably leads to the most important outcome; an enjoyable experience. So avoid those shortcuts and enjoy the rewarding journey as a lifelong learner.